Punch shots: Lottery something Sixers fans can hope to win

The NBA Draft lottery is a little more than two weeks away, and it’s cause for excitement among 76ers fans.

Remember, the Draft lottery is the reason why the Sixers endured an 82-game flagellation. It’s why they went through training camp with roster adequately unprepared for the regular season. It’s why they dispatched three of their top-rotation players at the trade deadline … and won only four games the rest of the way. It’s why managing owner Josh Harris declared a 19-win, playoff-free season “a huge success.”

The Sixers were built for the NBA Draft lottery, and their payout is nearly here.

On the eve of May 20, the Sixers will have a clearer view of their future. They hold the rights to the Nos. 2 and 10 spots in the lottery drawing and, assuming New Orleans doesn’t “win the lottery” and land among the top-three selections, the Sixers’ picks will remains that way.

With their selection, the Sixers have a 55.8-percent chance to stay in the top three. However, their strongest mathematical odds are to land at No. 4, where they have a 31.9-percent chance to end up.

No matter how you view the flawed NBA Draft lottery process, it’s purpose is to guide losing teams out of mediocrity. That was the end game for the 2013-14 Sixers. And the wait to see their return on a 63-loss season is rapidly approaching.